Parent & Player Agreement (PPA) 

Welcome to the Collegedale Recreation Association (CRA). It is important that players and parents understand the philosophy, expectations, rules and policies of the CRA, which are outlined in the following document. Your completed registration on our website will certify your agreement and acceptance of this document. 

PHILOSOPHY 

The CRA provides a Christian community softball program aimed at educating our youth on the basic skills and rules of softball. 

The CRA’s primary interest is the development of each player, including improvement in technical skills and increased knowledge of the game, as well as, personal and social growth as a team member. Our goal is to encourage sportsmanship within a competitive and fair environment. Parents and players must understand this and should conduct themselves in a manner that enables a healthy team environment. Playing only to win often has adverse effects on player development and team dynamics. 

EXPECTATIONS 

Equipment 

Each player will receive a team shirt from the CRA prior to the season start. Players in T-ball through Intermediate Leagues will be provided with a team hat. 

  • Players will be responsible for providing their own glove(s), helmet*, bat*, pants and shoes. 
  • Long pants and closed shoes are required. ​
  • Metal cleats and crocs will not be allowed. 
  • All required safety equipment for catchers will be provided by the CRA. 

*Players who can't afford or don't have access to a helmet and/or bat should contact renitak@southern.edu for assistance. The CRA has a supply of used equipment that is available for families to use, if needed. Players are expected to wear their team uniforms [team shirt and long pants (and hats for T-ball through Intermediate)] at all games. No exceptions!​If a player is asked to play up, they must be wearing his/her own team uniform.

Practices 

  • Absence or tardiness is the responsibility of the player or parent. Each player shall arrive early enough so they are ready to participate at the start time with their gear on. 
  • Players, coaches, and other volunteers should have a positive attitude at all times during practice. 
  • Demeaning comments and behavior contrary to a positive learning environment are not acceptable league behavior.

Every player shall do their part to make the practice run smoothly and give their undivided attention to the coaching staff and follow directions. If a player is unsure of a direction given to them or a drill being conducted – the player is encouraged to speak up and ask the coach for clarification. 

Practices are designed to develop new skills and sharpen skills already acquired. Please yield to the coaching staff and designated helpers to give instructions and directions during practice and/or games. Too many voices can confuse the players. 

Pre-game 

  • Players are encouraged to make every attempt to meet the time frames the coach has set up for promptness. 
  • Each player shall be wearing the required team uniform and will have all required equipment at all times. 
  • All watches, jewelry, and fitness devices need to be removed and stored in your equipment bag, or with a parent. 

Games 

  • Cheers and positive comments are encouraged, respect your fellow teammates and competitors. 
  • There are no exceptions for misconduct or inappropriate behavior. 
  • Never laugh or make fun of an opponent. 
  • No foul or inappropriate language will be tolerated. 
  • Sportsmanship is paramount for this organization. Proper field decorum is required by all participants at all times. 
  • The coaching staff will handle any disputes with the umpires. Parents and players shall not become involved. 
  • All players are to be cheering and supporting their team - watch the game and be prepared to go into a game at any time. 

Post-game 

  • After the game is over, the players are encouraged to meet at the pitchers mound for a group prayer. 
  • ​Dispose of any trash in the dugout and clear out your equipment so the next team can set up before their game. 

RULES AND POLICIES 

Coaches’ Responsibilities 

The primary responsibility of the coaching staff is to strive to develop the fundamental skills of each player on his/her team. The coach should also foster an environment of sportsmanship within the team as well as encourage sportsmanship with opponents and officials. 

Primary goals: 

  • Select the team. 
  • Determine the style and philosophy of play. 
  • Teach at practice sessions. 
  • Assigns all playing positions and roster spots. 
  • Determine who starts at playing time. 
  • Establish and enforce team policies. 
  • Always make sure safety and the athletes' welfare comes first. 
  • Maintain communication with the players and the parents throughout the season. 

Players’ Responsibilities 

As a team and as individual athletes, you will get out of this season what you put into it. There are many obstacles that may need to be overcome, but if you are willing to work at it, you can do it. There will be demands on you that will be out of your comfort zone, but trust that our intention is to make you the best player that you can possibly be.

  • Attend all practice sessions. 
  • Be receptive to coaching. 
  • Be responsible for your uniforms and equipment. 
  • Represent the team and your community and follow the team’s policies. 
  • Show respect for teammates. 
  • Report all injuries to a coach (immediately).
  • Be on time, dressed, and ready to begin practices and games as scheduled. 
  • Work on improving individual skills outside of team practices. 
  • Call (24 hours in advance) a coach if you cannot attend a practice/game. 
  • Players should make every attempt to include teammates in social circles and refrain from developing social clicks within the team structure, be inclusive, not exclusive. 

Parents’ Responsibilities 

The parents can be the biggest support for a player. This year we want to be clear on what we expect of you as parents. We are a team – athletes, coaches, parents, and organization. Parents need to support their child by allowing them to experience their frustrations, failures, and successes on and off the field. We want you to know that we always have the best interest of your child in mind. 

Understand that this is a process, and that by the end of the season your child will have improved. How much he/she improves depends upon the amount of effort put forth, and how much he/she is allowed to grow. 

  • Each athlete must be at practices and games on time. Punctuality is expected. 
  • If an athlete is sick or injured and unable to participate in practice or game(s), the coach shall be called the night before the scheduled game or practice, or as soon as the condition is known. 
  • Parents shall not jeer any player, coach, or other player’s parent(s) on this team nor shall they do so to opposing team members. 
  • Negative and/or disruptive actions by parents could be cause for removal from the game. 
  • Parents are asked to keep their child focused on their goals, assist with their outside skill work, and to be positive at all times so that the player stays positive. 

Fan-Officials Relationship 

  • Officials are necessary to the game. 
  • They are bound by the USA Softball rulebook and CRA local rules, which makes them rigidly impartial. 
  • Fans, and particularly parents, should never harass or taunt officials. 
  • Please leave the discussion of rules questions to the coaching staff. 

Sportsmanship 

  • Players, parents and coaches should consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship, with parents and coaches serving as positive role models to the players. 
  • No vulgar or inappropriate language. 
  • Taunting and trash talking will not be tolerated. 
  • Outsiders must never intrude upon the field during a game. 
  • Cheerleading should always be for your team, never against the opponents. 
  • Keep comments to a positive nature.